Global Security Newswire

The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration yesterday inked deals to work with Iceland and Morocco in combating radiological and nuclear terrorism and advancing nuclear-security priorities, the agency announced yesterday (see GSN, Sept. 15).

The statements of intent, signed at the International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference in Vienna, Austria, by the Iceland Radiation Safety Authority and the Moroccan National Center for Nuclear Energy, Science and Technologies, obligate signatories to work to prevent or minimize radiation damage to property, individuals and the environment in the aftermath of a radiological or nuclear attack or other incident.

“We are pleased to count the Kingdom of Morocco and Iceland among our partners in this global effort to enhance capabilities to prevent or respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies in support of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism,” NNSA Associate Administrator Joseph Krol said in a statement. “With over 60 years of expertise in handling, securing and detecting nuclear material, NNSA is uniquely equipped to share expertise and collaborate with foreign counterparts on these global security issues.”

The semiautonomous Energy Department organization has planned for radiological and nuclear emergencies in cooperation with 75 nations and nine international entities. The agency has helped organize training exercises, technical exchanges and emergency preparedness assistance, among other work (U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration release, Sept. 15).